A canned or capped beverage container and a process of processing such a beverage container

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a canned or capped beverage container (302) which is adapted to be brought from a closed state for holding a beverage to an open state for consumption of the beverage, wherein the beverage container comprises a closure (5) and a beverage container opening closed by means of the closure. The present disclosure also relates to a process of processing such a beverage container.

Description

[0001] Title: A canned or capped beverage container and a process of processing such a beverage container

[0002] Technical field:

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a canned or capped beverage container which is adapted to be brought from a closed state for holding a beverage to an open state for consumption of the beverage, wherein the beverage container comprises a closure and a beverage container opening closed by means of the closure. The present disclosure also relates to a process of processing such a beverage container.

[0004] Background:

[0005] Beverages are typically stored and transported in containers such as for example bottles and cans. Plastic bottles, cartons or pouches can be identified as capped containers which have secure caps or lids for maintaining the container in a closed state. The caps or lids can be removed to bring the container in an open state for consumption by the consumer, wherein the cap or lid can often be reused to reseal the container. Cans are normally made from metal (aluminium). Cans rely on a sealed (aluminium) lid to hold the can in a closed state. After opening cans to bring the can in an open state for consumption of the beverage, cans are typically not resealable. Caps have internal threads that engage with external threads on a neck of the container, creating a fluid tight seal when tightened. Similarly, cans are sealed during manufacturing to create a fluid tight seal until they are opened.

[0006] Beverage containers that are configured to be filled with gas have been known for years, but existing technologies present challenges, particularly with closures designed to allow relatively fast high-pressure gas insertion while maintaining a secure seal after gas insertion. These issues arise in both cap and can-sealing mechanisms, affecting the reliability of gas insertion and retention and / or requiring costly measures.It is thus the goal of the present disclosure to provide a cost-effective beverage container configured to be filled with food grade gas in its closed state and a process for processing the container that increases the reliability of food grade gas insertion and retention in a cost effective manner.

[0007] Summary:

[0008] A summary of aspects of certain working examples disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain working examples and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects and / or a combination of aspects that may not be set forth.

[0009] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a canned or capped beverage container which is adapted to be brought from a closed state for holding a beverage to an open state for consumption of the beverage. The beverage container comprises a closure and a beverage container opening closed by means of the closure. The closure has a circumferential wall section provided with a circumferential recess configured for receiving an edge section of the beverage container defining the container opening and at least one food grade gas passage. The edge section and the closure provide a liquid-tight closure arrangement which is adapted to seal in a liquid-tight manner an inlet and / or an outlet of the at least one food grade gas passage. The liquid-tight closure arrangement is configured to introduce at least one food grade gas under a predetermined introduction pressure by means of the at least one food grade gas passage into the beverage container in the closed state.

[0010] By means of the liquid-tight closure arrangement of this disclosure it is possible to fill the canned or capped beverage container with at least one food grade gas in a relatively fast, cost-effective and reliable manner. During filling the beverage container with the at least one food grade gas in the closed state, the at least one food grade gas passage provides fluid communication as a result of the predetermined introduction pressure between an external source of the at leastone food grade gas and the inner volume of the beverage container. The edge section and the circumferential recess provide a stable connection function between the beverage container and the closure and a reliable sealing function between the inner volume of the beverage container and the (external) atmosphere. Thus, the reliable liquid-tight closure arrangement of this disclosure provides a cost effective double function. The recess of the closure also provides a flexible liquid-tight closure arrangement enabling a food grade gas path for filling the beverage container with a food grade gas.

[0011] In one aspect, the bottom part provides a lowermost virtual plane of the beverage container and the top part provides an uppermost virtual plane of the beverage container, wherein the closure is located between the lowermost virtual plane and the uppermost virtual plane without protruding. In this non-protruding position the closure has an improved impact protection, such that during handling and processing of the container the risk of undesired contact between an external object and the closure can be reduced. An uppermost part of the closure may further be located below the uppermost virtual plane of the beverage container and / or a lowermost part of the closure may be located above the lowermost virtual plane of the beverage container, such as for example at a distance corresponding to at least 1 mm. A position of the closure further away from the outer shape dimensions of the beverage container may even further protect the closure by further reducing the risk of contact between the closure and an external object during handling and / or processing.

[0012] In another aspect, the liquid-tight closure arrangement is provided by clamping the edge section in the circumferential recess. A cost effective manner to provide a closure with a relatively reliable liquid-tight sealing performance with flexibility for food grade gas introduction is a clamping connection between the circumferential recess and the edge section.

[0013] At least a section of the closure providing the recess may be elastic compared to the rigid edge section. Such an elastic section may provide a reliable connection with the rigid edge section by means of clamping. In addition, the elastic section can be used for example by means of the introduction pressure to temporary open an inlet / outlet of the food grade gas passage. The closure may beconfigured to be deformable in the liquid-tight closure arrangement under an external outer force in the closed state. This deformability of the closure may be used for example to open or to facilitate at least the creation of a fluid path between the exterior and interior volume of the beverage container. The closure may be configured to be brought by the external outer force from a first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement to a second food grade gas introduction configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement and vice versa. With these configurations of the closure, the reliability of sealing and the requested flexibility for filling the beverage container with food grade gas can be optimized in a relatively cost effective manner.

[0014] In a further aspect, the liquid-tight closure arrangement is configured to release gas from the beverage container in the closed state, for example in an overpressure state in the beverage container. Such a beverage container can be degassed. The degassing process can be performed automatically for example by means of a predetermined internal pressure. In such a beverage container the predetermined internal pressure will provide a fluid path in the liquid-tight closure arrangement. For example, if a predetermined and undesired overpressure exists in the inner volume of the beverage container, the liquid-tight closure arrangement may automatically “open”, i.e., provide a fluid path as a result of the predetermined internal pressure for degassing the internal volume of the beverage container until the internal pressure is below a predetermined internal pressure. Alternatively or in addition, the liquid-tight closure arrangement may be configured to be degassed upon external actuation. For example, it is possible to use an external mechanical force on the closure to initiate / trigger the degassing process such that the pressure in the inner volume of the beverage container will be decreased.

[0015] The closure may comprise an upper section which is separated by means of the circumferential recess from a lower section, wherein in the liquid-tight closure arrangement the upper section and the lower section may be moveable with respect to each other, for example by means of an external force provided on the upper section. Such a movement of the upper section with respect to the lower section may bring the closure in the liquid-tight closure arrangement from a first sealing configuration to a second degassing configuration, wherein after degassingit is possible to return the upper section and the lower section to their first sealing configuration. The moveable sections may also be used to bring the closure from a first sealing configuration to a second food grade gas introduction configuration. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “food-grade gas” denotes a pressurizing medium suitable for use in a food or beverage environment and not necessarily requiring formal food-grade certification, provided that it does not introduce harmful contaminants or residues. As used herein, the terms gas and pressurizing medium encompass gaseous substances, liquefied gases, liquids supplied under pressure that vaporize or expand upon pressure release, vapors, and supercritical fluids. Accordingly, the at least one food-grade gas may be supplied in gaseous, liquefied, liquid-under-pressure, vapor, or supercritical state, provided that it functions as a pressurizing or foaming medium within the beverage container.

[0016] As indicated above, this disclosure also relates to a process of processing a beverage container of this disclosure. The process may comprise the step of introducing at least one food grade gas under a predetermined introduction pressure into the beverage container in the closed state. The predetermined introduction pressure may be at least 1 hectopascal or higher. The at least one food grade gas may be hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide (N2O) or comprises at least two food grade gases being a combination of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and / or nitrous oxide (N2O). In one aspect of the process, the closure is brought by an external outer force from a first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement to a second food grade gas introduction configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement and vice versa after removal of the external outer force. For example, the closure may be deformed between the first sealing configuration and the second food grade gas introduction configuration. In addition, gas may be automatically released from the beverage container in the closed state by means of the liquid-tight closure arrangement, for example at a predetermined pressure inside the container. In addition or alternatively, the closure may be brought by an external outer force from a first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement to a gas release configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement and vice versa after removalof the external outer force. This may also be done by deformation of the closure, for example by applying an external force on the closure. The first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement may always be the same configuration independent of the container is being filled with food grade gas or being emptied (degassed). In addition, the gas release configuration may correspond to the second food grade gas introduction configuration.

[0017] Brief description of the figures:

[0018] The disclosure will now be discussed with reference to the drawings, which show in:

[0019] Fig. 1a-f show various views of a cap of a capped beverage container, wherein the cap comprises a liquid-tight closure arrangement;

[0020] Fig. 2a-f show various views of another cap of a capped beverage container, wherein the cap comprises another liquid-tight closure arrangement;

[0021] Fig. 3a-f show various views of canned beverage container and details of a further liquid-tight closure arrangement;

[0022] Fig. 4a-f show various views of another cap of a capped beverage container, wherein the cap comprises a further liquid-tight closure arrangement;

[0023] Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram of the process of this disclosure.

[0024] Detailed description:

[0025] The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the appended figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion, wherein in the figures the dimensions of the same component are varied to show details of this component.

[0026] It is noted that in the description of the figures, same reference numerals refer to the same of similar components performing a same of essentially similar function.A more detailed description is made below with reference to particular examples, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings, such that the features of the present disclosure may be understood in more detail. It is noted that the drawings only illustrate typical examples and are therefore not to be considered to limit the scope of the subject matter of the claims. The drawings are incorporated for facilitating an understanding of the disclosure. Advantages of the subject matter as claimed will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." Where the context permits, words in the Detailed description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively.

[0028] The figures 1 a-f, 2a-f and 4a-f show a cap 1; 101; 201 of a capped beverage container only. Such a cap 1; 101; 201 can be used in combination with a pouch-shaped, carton-shaped or bottle-shaped beverage container (not shown), i.e., beverage containers having a container neck adapted to be connected, normally in a releasable manner, with the cap 1; 101; 201. Removing the cap 1; 101; 201 from the beverage containers brings the beverage container from a closed state to an open state for consumption of the beverage in the beverage container. Reconnecting the cap 1; 101; 201 is often possible to bring the beverage container from the open state for consumption to the closed state. In the closed state leakage, contamination and evaporation of the beverage in the beverage container is prevented. So, the cap 1; 101; 201 belongs to a capped beverage container which is adapted to be brought from the closed state for holding a beverage to an open state for consumption of the beverage. In other words, the beverage container comprises a cap 1; 101; 201 having a closure 5; 105; 205 and a beverage container opening closed by means of the closure 5; 105; 205 for providing liquid-tight closure arrangements 7; 107; 207 to be discussed in more detail below. The cap 1; 101; 201 has the standard function to provide a fluid tight seal of a drinkingopening of the beverage container for example, i.e., the drinking opening (not shown) in a neck of a bottle. The drinking opening is not the same opening as beverage container opening closed by means of the closure 5; 105; 205. Removal of the cap 1; 101; 201 provides the open state of the beverage container for consumption.

[0029] Figures 3a-f show various views of canned beverage container 302 and details of a further liquid-tight closure arrangement 307 such as closure 205’. The cylindrical canned beverage container 302 comprises a cylindrical body 304, a top section 306 and a bottom section 308. The top section 306 may have a standard can drinking opening sealed by means of for example a pull tab which holds the canned beverage container 302 in the closed state. The top section 306 may also be provided with a twist cap (not shown) covering the drinking opening. After opening the standard can drinking opening the canned beverage container 302 can typically not be resealed and the canned beverage container 302 is in its open state ready for consumption of the beverage. The closure 205’ is provided in the dome-shaped bottom part section 308’ comprising the liquid-tight closure arrangement 307. It is also possible to provide the liquid-tight closure arrangement in the top section (not shown) or in a twist cap (not shown).

[0030] The closures 5; 105; 205; 205’ shown in the figures have a circular top section for providing a cost effective liquid-tight closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307, but different shapes of the top section or designs of the closures 5; 105; 205; 205’ are possible.

[0031] So, the figures show a canned 302 (figs. 3a-f) or capped beverage container with a cap 1; 101; 201 (figs. 1a-f, 2a-f and 4a-f), wherein the beverage container 302 is adapted to be brought from a closed state for holding a beverage to an open state for consumption of the beverage. In the open state the drinking opening of the beverage container is accessible for drinking the beverage. The beverage container comprises a closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ and a beverage container opening closed by means of the closure. The beverage container opening is defined by an (endless) edge section 11; 111; 211; 311 of the beverage container. The closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ has a circumferential wall section 13; 113; 213; 213’ provided with a circumferential recess 15; 115; 215; 215’ configured for receiving the edgesection 11; 111; 211; 311 of the beverage container defining the container opening. The closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ is further provided with at least one food grade gas passage 20a, 20b; 120a, 120b; 220a, 220b; 220a’, 220b'. The edge section 11; 111; 211; 311 and the closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ provide a liquid-tight closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307 which is adapted to seal in a liquid-tight manner an inlet 221b; 221b’ and / or an outlet 23a, 23b; 123a, 123b 223a; 223a’ of the at least one food grade gas passage 20a, 20b; 120a, 120b; 220a, 220b; 220a’, 220b’. For example, the edge section 11; 111; 211; 311 is designed to seal in a liquid-tight manner an inlet 221b; 221b’ and / or an outlet 23a, 23b; 123a, 123b 223a; 223a' of the at least one food grade gas passage 20a, 20b; 120a, 120b; 220a, 220b; 220a’, 220b’ if the edge section 11; 111; 211; 311 is inserted into the recess 15; 115; 215; 215’. The liquid-tight closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307 is configured to introduce at least one food grade gas under a predetermined introduction pressure by means of the at least one food grade gas passage 20a, 20b; 120a, 120b; 220a, 220b; 220a’, 220b’ into the beverage container in the closed state. The predetermined introduction pressure is higher than the pressure inside the container. The at least one food grade gas passage 20a, 20b; 120a, 120b; 220a, 220b; 220a’, 220b’ is located in the closure 5; 105; 205; 205’, i.e., within the closure. The edge sections 11; 111; 211; 311 of the beverage container are provided by at least an edge of the beverage container. In the embodiments shown the edge sections 11; 111; 211; 311 comprise horizontal and / or vertical outer surfaces to close the inlet(s) and / or outlet(s) of the food grade gas passages in a horizontal plane and / or in a vertical plane. Other orientations or designs are possible to close gas passages (not shown) ending in the circumferential recess of the closure. The edge section 11; 111; 211; 311 closes off the inlet(s) and / or outlet(s) of the gas passages ending in the recess 15; 115; 215; 215’. Each closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ has at least two food grade gas passages 20a, 20b; 120a, 120b; 220a, 220b; 220a’, 220b’. The liquid-tight closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307 is constructed as a port, or is a port. Such a port is designed to allow controlled entry of food grade gas into and / or discharge of fluid from the container in its closed state.The cost effective liquid-tight closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307 is provided by clamping the edge section 11; 111; 211; 311 in the circumferential recess 15; 115; 215; 215’, such that a relatively reliable liquid-tight sealing performance with flexibility for food grade gas introduction is achieved.

[0032] The closure 5; 105 is provided with a central open hole 30; 130 which is in fluid communication with an inlet(s) 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d; 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d of the at least one food grade gas passage 20a, 20b; 120a, 120b. The closure 5; 105 has four food grade gas passage 20a, 20b; 120a, 120b of which only two are shown in the figures. Reference is made to Figs. 1e and 2e showing that each closure 5; 105 has four inlets 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d; 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d, wherein each inlet belongs to one of the four food grade gas passages. The closure 5; 105 may be constructed to have more or less food grade gas passages and / or the four food grade gas passages may have a different position with respect to each other than shown. For example, the closure may have only two food grade gas passages or four food grade gas passages forming two pairs of food grade gas passages, wherein each pair comprises two food grade gas passages which are located closer to each other than two food grade gas passages of each pair. It is also possible that the closure (not shown) has only one food grade gas passage.

[0033] The at least one food grade gas passage 20a, 20b; 120a, 120b; 220a, 220b; 220a’, 220b’ comprises an upper food grade passage 30; 130; 220a; 220a’ and a lower food grade passage 20a, 20b; 120a, 120b; 220b’; 220b, wherein the edge section 11; 111; 211; 311 is adapted to seal in a liquid-tight manner the inlet 221b’; 221 b of the lower food grade passage and / or an outlet 23a, 23b; 123a, 123b; 223a; 223a’ of the upper food grade passage. In the closure 205; 205’ the circumferential recess 215; 215’ is positioned between the upper food grade gas passage 220a; 220a’ and the lower food grade gas passage 220b; 220b’.

[0034] As visualized by dotted line L1 in Fig. 3c, the bottom part or section 308 provides a lowermost virtual plane of the beverage container 302 and / or the top part 6; 106; 206; 306 provides an uppermost virtual plane of the beverage container (visualized by dotted line L2, L2’ in Figs. 2c and 3c), wherein the closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ is located between the lowermost virtual plane and the uppermost virtual plane without protruding. In this non-protruding position the closure has animproved protection. An uppermost part 33; 133; 233; 233’ of the closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ may further be located below the uppermost virtual plane of the beverage container and / or a lowermost part of the closure 35; 135; 235; 235' may be located above the lowermost virtual plane of the beverage container, such as for example at a distance corresponding to at least 1 mm. A position of the closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ at a distance from the outer shape dimensions of the beverage container may even further protect the closure by further reducing the risk of contact between the closure and an external object during handling and / or processing.

[0035] The closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ is configured to be brought by the external outer force from a first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement to a second food grade gas introduction configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement and vice versa. The closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ is for example an elastic closure 5; 105; 205; 205’. The external outer force is exerted on the top part 33; 133; 233 of the closure 5; 105; 205 and / or on the bottom part 235’ of the closure 205’.

[0036] Optionally, the liquid-tight closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307 is configured to release gas from the beverage container in the closed state, for example in an overpressure state in the beverage container. For example, if a predetermined and undesired overpressure exists in the inner volume of the beverage container, the liquid-tight closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307 may automatically “open”, i.e., provide a fluid path as a result of the predetermined internal pressure for degassing the internal volume of the beverage container until the internal pressure is below the predetermined internal pressure.

[0037] The closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ is configured to be deformable in the liquid- tight closure arrangement under an external outer force in the closed state. The external outer force is for example exerted on the top part 33; 133; 233 of the closure 5; 105; 205 and / or on the bottom part 235’ of the closure 205’. A deformable closure is able to change its shape under a load (external outer force) without breaking or failing which provides a flexible and adaptable closure 5; 105; 205; 205’. As mentioned above such a deformable closure is advantageous for clamping the edge section 11; 111; 211; 311 in the recess 15; 115; 215; 215’ to provide cost effective liquid-tight closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307 and suitable materialsfor manufacturing the deformable closure are materials like polymers and / or elastomers such as rubber, silicone, and polyurethane. In addition, a deformable closure provides advantages to obtain certain configurations for food grade gas introduction and / or gas release as discussed above. The liquid-tight closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307 may be configured to be degassed upon external actuation for example by means of the external outer force as already discussed.

[0038] It is also possible that at least a section of the closure providing the recess is elastic (deformable) compared to the rigid edge section for clamping. In such an variant the other sections of the closure (not shown) may be relatively rigid, for example as rigid as the rigid edge section or other rigid parts of the beverage container.

[0039] The closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ comprises an upper section which is separated by means of the circumferential recess 15; 115; 215; 215’ from a lower section, wherein in the liquid-tight closure arrangement the upper section and the lower section may be moveable with respect to each other, for example by means of the external force provided on the upper section, such as on uppermost part 33; 133; 233 or the lower section 235'. Such a movement of the upper section with respect to the lower section may bring the closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ in the liquid-tight closure arrangement from a first sealing configuration to a second degassing configuration, wherein after degassing it is possible to return the upper section and the lower section to their first sealing configuration. Movement of the upper section with respect to the lower section includes any movement including tilting as long as the orientation of the upper section with respect to the lower section is changed. The moveable sections may also be used to bring the closure from a first sealing configuration to a second food grade gas introduction configuration. The smaller the distance between opposing inner recess walls which define the diameter of a central portion of the closure enclosed by the recess, the easier the upper section with respect to the lower section can be moved. The closure 5 has the smallest diameter of a central portion of the closure compared with the closures 105; 205; 205’.

[0040] A process of processing a beverage container of this disclosure is shown in the flow chart of figure 5 . The process comprises providing the beverage containerof this disclosure (step I) and the step (step II) of introducing at least one food grade gas under a predetermined introduction pressure into the beverage container in the closed state. The predetermined introduction pressure may be 1 hectopascal or higher. The at least one food grade gas is for example hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide (N2O) or comprises at least two food grade gases being a combination of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and / or nitrous oxide (N2O).

[0041] In addition or alternatively, the closure 5; 105; 205; 205’ in the beverage container can be brought by an external outer force from a first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307 to a second food grade gas introduction configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement between step I and step II as shown in figure 5. After removal of the external outer force the closure returns to the first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement.

[0042] Further, the closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307 may be designed such that gas is automatically released from the beverage container in the closed state at a predetermined pressure inside the container. In addition or alternatively, the closure may be brought by an external outer force from a first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement to a gas release configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement and vice versa after removal of the external outer force. This may also be done by deformation of the closure, for example by applying an external force on the elastic closure. The first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement 7; 107; 207; 307 may always be the same configuration independent of the container is being filled with food grade gas or being emptied (degassed). In addition, the gas release configuration may correspond to the second food grade gas introduction configuration.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A canned or capped beverage container which is adapted to be brought from a closed state for holding a beverage to an open state for consumption of the beverage, wherein the beverage container comprises a closure and a beverage container opening closed by means of the closure, wherein the closure has a circumferential wall section provided with a circumferential recess configured for receiving an edge section of the beverage container defining the container opening and at least one food grade gas passage, wherein the edge section and the closure provide a liquid-tight closure arrangement which is adapted to seal in a liquid-tight manner an inlet and / or an outlet of the at least one food grade gas passage, wherein the liquid-tight closure arrangement is configured to introduce at least one food grade gas under a predetermined introduction pressure by means of the at least one food grade gas passage into the beverage container in the closed state.

2. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the beverage container comprises a bottom part and a top part, wherein the bottom part provides a lowermost virtual plane of the beverage container and the top part provides an uppermost virtual plane of the beverage container, wherein the closure is provided in the beverage container between the lowermost virtual plane and the uppermost virtual plane without protruding.

3. The beverage container according to claim 2, wherein an uppermost part of the closure is located below the uppermost virtual plane of the beverage container and / or a lowermost part of the closure is located above the lowermost virtual plane of the beverage container, such as for example at a distance corresponding to at least 1 mm.

4. The beverage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage container comprises a cap or a lid comprising the liquid-tight closure arrangement.

5. The beverage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage container comprises a dome-shaped bottom part section comprising the liquid-tight closure arrangement.

6. The beverage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid-tight closure arrangement is provided by clamping the edge section in the circumferential recess.

7. The beverage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one food grade gas passage comprises an upper food grade passage and a lower food grade passage, wherein the edge section is adapted to seal in a liquid-tight manner an inlet of the lower food grade passage and / or an outlet of the upper food grade passage.

8. The beverage container according to claim 7, wherein in the closure the circumferential recess is positioned between the upper food grade gas passage and the lower food grade gas passage.

9. The beverage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure is provided with a central open hole which is in fluid communication with an inlet of the at least one food grade gas passage.

10. The beverage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a section of the closure providing the recess is elastic compared to the rigid edge section.

11. The beverage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure is configured to be deformable in the liquid-tight closure arrangement under an external outer force in the closed state.

12. The beverage container according to claim 11, wherein the closure is configured to be brought by the external outer force from a first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement to a second food grade gas introduction configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement and vice versa.

13. The beverage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid-tight closure arrangement is configured to release gas from the beverage container in the closed state, for example in an overpressure state in the beverage container.

14. The beverage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure comprises an upper section which is separated by means of the circumferential recess from a lower section, wherein in the liquid-tight closure arrangement the upper section and the lower section are moveable with respect to each other, for example by means of an external force provided on the upper section.

15. A process of processing a beverage container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the process comprises the step of introducing at least one food grade gas under a predetermined introduction pressure into the beverage container in the closed state, preferably the predetermined introduction pressure is at least 1 hectopascal or higher.

16. The process according to claim 15, wherein the closure is brought by an external outer force from a first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement to a second food grade gas introduction configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement and vice versa after removal of the external outer force.

17. The process according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the at least one food grade gas is hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide (N2O) or comprises at least two food grade gases being a combination of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and / or nitrous oxide (N2O).

18. The process according to any of the preceding claims 15-17, wherein gas is automatically released from the beverage container in the closed state by means of the liquid-tight closure arrangement, for example at a predetermined pressure inside the container.

19. The process according to any of the preceding claims 15-18, wherein the closure is brought by an external outer force from a first sealing configuration in the liquid-tight closure arrangement to a gas release configuration in the liquid- tight closure arrangement and vice versa after removal of the external outer force.

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